This article explores the benefits, medicinal uses, and nutritional value of jujube (Ziziphus jujube). Jujube is a resilient tree that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions of Europe and Asia, including India, China, Iran, Russia, and the Middle East. The fruit of the jujube plant is highly nutritious, rich in proteins, minerals, vitamins, organic acids, and carbohydrates. It also contains various plant chemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, triterpenoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, and carotenoids. Jujube has a long history of traditional medicinal use, particularly in Persian traditional medicine, where it is known for its anti-itch, analgesic, and diuretic properties. In Chinese medicine, jujube is used to stimulate appetite and treat diarrhea and fatigue. The article highlights the chemical components of jujube and their beneficial effects on various organs and tissues, including antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, heart- and liver-protective properties. Additionally, jujube exhibits health-enhancing properties and anti-aging effects. The article also presents a study on the extraction and analysis of phenols from jujube fruit pulp using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The identified phenols include catechin, epicatechin, kaempferol, quercetin-3-glucoside, p-Coumaric acid, quercetin, rutin, and procyanidin, which possess significant antibacterial and antimicrobial activities. The findings highlight the potential of jujube as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with diverse medicinal and nutritional applications.
Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba), a member of the Rhamnaceae family, is a tree species widely distributed in the tropics and subtropics of Europe and Asia. Its prevalence spans across countries such as India, China, Iran, Russia, and the Middle East. Notably, jujube is recognized for its robustness, thriving in environments characterized by challenging soil conditions, including salinity and alkalinity [1-4]. This adaptability, combined with its remarkable phytochemical and pharmacological composition, positions jujube as an excellent dietary choice for human consumption. The nutritional value of jujube is evident in its fruit, which is packed with essential components beneficial for human health [2,5].
The fruit is a rich source of proteins, minerals, vitamins, organic acids, and carbohydrates, offering a well-rounded nutritional profile. Furthermore, jujube contains a diverse array of phytochemical components, including polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, and carotenoids [5,6]. These phytochemicals contribute to the unique properties of jujube, encompassing both nutritional and cosmetic benefits. The historical usage of jujube in traditional medicine, particularly in traditional Persian medicine, further highlights its significance. Traditional Persian medicine has long recognized the pharmacological properties of jujube, attributing it with antipruritic and soothing effects, specifically in the context of kidney and bladder pain. Additionally, Chinese medicine has employed jujube to stimulate appetite, address issues such as diarrhea and fatigue, and promote overall well-being [7-9]. These traditional medicinal practices underscore the presence of numerous chemical constituents within jujube fruit, which beneficially impact various organs and tissues in the human body [8]. One notable aspect of jujube's composition is its antioxidant capacity, which plays a crucial role in combating oxidative stress and its associated health risks. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defense mechanisms.
Jujube's antioxidant properties help neutralize ROS, reducing the damage they can cause to cells and DNA [9-11]. These characteristic positions jujube as a potential preventive measure against chronic diseases, including cancer. Furthermore, jujube exhibits antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable natural remedy. Research has demonstrated its efficacy against various bacterial and fungal strains, opening avenues for potential therapeutic applications. Additionally, jujube has been found to possess protective effects on the liver and heart. Its active components exert hepatoprotective properties by reducing oxidative stress, preventing liver injury, and promoting liver regeneration. Similarly, jujube's cardioprotective effects involve reducing cholesterol levels, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and enhancing myocardial function[12-14]. Beyond its pharmacological benefits, jujube also offers health-promoting effects. These include its anti- aging properties, attributed to its antioxidant capacity and ability to counteract cellular damage caused by free radicals. Moreover, jujube has been recognized for its potential as a natural remedy for neurological disorders due to its neuroprotective properties. It aids in protecting neurons from damage, improving cognitive function, and potentially mitigating the risk of neurodegenerative diseases[15-19]. Jujube is a remarkable tree species with extensive cultural and medicinal significance. Its nutritional composition, rich in phytochemicals, grants it an esteemed position in traditional medicine practices. The presence of various bioactive compounds within jujube contributes to its antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and protective properties. Furthermore, its potential to promote overall health and combat age-related ailments has garnered attention in scientific research[20,21]. By exploring the comprehensive benefits of jujube, we can gain a deeper understanding of its therapeutic potential and develop strategies to harness its medicinal properties for human well-being[22-29].
Extraction and Analysis of Phenols from Jujube Fruit Pulp:
The extraction of phenols from jujube fruit pulp was successfully conducted using a 70% ethanol and 30% water mixture. The dried jujube fruits were ground into a fine powder, and 25 g of the powder was mixed with the ethanol-water solution. After ultrasonic extraction, filtration, and evaporation, a 2 ml extract was obtained. The extracted phenolic compounds were then analyzed using HPLC table 1, figure1.
Table1: The extracted phenolic compounds were then analyzed using HPLC.
Phenols |
Retention time |
Concentration μg/ml(Fruit pulp) |
catechin |
6.3 |
4.8 |
epicatechin |
8.7 |
7.5 |
kaempferol |
12.4 |
6.2 |
quercetin-3- glucoside |
14.9 |
4.9 |
p‐Coumaric acid |
16.6 |
3.7 |
Quercetin |
18.3 |
7.9 |
Rutin |
20.1 |
5.6 |
procyanidin |
22.8 |
4.3 |
Figure1: The HPLC analysis revealed the presence of several phenolic compounds in jujube fruit pulp.
The retention times and concentrations of the identified phenolic compounds were recorded. Some of the identified phenolic compounds and their respective retention times and concentrations are as follows:
These phenolic compounds exhibit high antibacterial, antitumor, and antifungal activities, indicating their potential therapeutic benefits.
Soxlet Extraction and GC-MS Analysis of Seed Oil:
The seeds of jujube were subjected to Soxlet extraction using hexane as the solvent. The seed powder was extracted for 4 hours, and the resulting extract was collected and evaporated until dry. The dried extract was dissolved in hexane and analyzed using GC-MS technology to determine the active substances present in the seed oil table 2.
The specific details regarding the identification and concentrations of the active substances in the seed oil were not provided due to truncation of the content.
Table 2: Volatile chemicals in hexane extract of jujube seeds identified by GC-MS technology
Retention time (min) |
Chemicals |
Molecular weight |
6.3 |
Octyl 3-alcohol |
130 |
6.9 |
Tetradecanoic acid |
228 |
7.8 |
Palmitelaidic acid |
254 |
8.3 |
Palmitic acid |
256 |
9.1 |
Linoleic acid methyl ester |
294 |
10.2 |
Oleic acid methyl ester |
296 |
10.8 |
9-Octadecenoic acid |
282 |
11.7 |
Heptadecanoic acid |
270 |
12.4 |
Linoleic acid ethyl ester |
308 |
13.6 |
Ethyl oleate |
310 |
15.9 |
Linoleic acid |
280 |
16.1 |
Oleic acid |
282 |
17.7 |
Stearic acid |
284 |
18.3 |
11-Eicosenoic acid |
310 |
20.8 |
1-Monopalmitoylglycerol |
330 |
21.4 |
Thymol-glucoside |
312 |
25.8 |
2- Monooctadecenoylglycerol |
342 |
29.4 |
Squalene |
410 |
The specific details regarding the identification and concentrations of the active substances in the seed oil were not provided due to truncation of the content table3.
RT |
compounds |
Area% |
5.7 |
n-Octane |
5.3 |
6.2 |
2-Hexenal |
13.8 |
6.9 |
o-xylene |
2.4 |
7.4 |
α-pinene |
1.3 |
8.2 |
Benzaldehyde |
0.9 |
9.4 |
2-Methyl-3-octanone |
0.4 |
9.8 |
2-Pentylfuran |
1.1 |
10.2 |
cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate |
0.7 |
10.7 |
Linalool oxide |
1.4 |
11.6 |
β-Linalool |
1.6 |
12.3 |
Terpinolene |
3.7 |
13.1 |
3-hexenyl ester Butyric acid |
2.3 |
14.8 |
Fenchyl alcoho |
5.4 |
15.7 |
(-)-alpha-Terpineol |
.73 |
16.5 |
β-Cyclocitral |
.51 |
17.2 |
(Z)-3-hexenyl-2-methylbutanoate |
1.4 |
18.1 |
Eugenol |
9.3 |
19.6 |
cis-3-Hexenyllactate |
0.4 |
20.1 |
α-Muurolene |
2.8 |
21.4 |
trans-Geranylacetone |
3.4 |
22.9 |
Alloaromadendrene |
2.7 |
23.8 |
α-Farnesene |
3.3 |
24.7 |
δ-Cadinene |
1.6 |
25.3 |
Elemol |
1.2 |
26.1 |
E-Nerolidol |
3.8 |
27.9 |
Pinane |
.12 |
28.7 |
Hexadecanoic acid |
3.8 |
31.2 |
Phytol |
15.3 |
|
|
96.6 |
Overall, the results demonstrate the successful extraction and analysis of phenolic compounds from jujube fruit pulp, highlighting the presence of beneficial bioactive compounds table4.
Proposed compounds |
RT (min) |
Mode of ionization |
Precursor m/z |
Amplitude% |
Apigenine |
9.54 |
[M-H]- |
269.0 |
95 |
Catechin |
11.95 |
[M-H]- |
289.0 |
60 |
Jujuboside A |
13.47 |
[M-HCOO-] |
1251.6 |
130 |
Jujuboside B |
15.89 |
[M-HCOO-]- |
1089.7 |
100 |
Quercetin |
17.21 |
[M-H]- |
301.0 |
80 |
The study also suggests the potential therapeutic applications of jujube phenolic compounds due to their antibacterial, antitumor, and antifungal properties. Further analysis of the seed oil using GC-MS technology provides valuable insights into the active substances present in jujube seeds, although specific results and concentrations were not provided.
This calibration depends on returning the detector (phosphomolybdate and phosphotungstate) to a blue complex in an alkaline medium in the presence of phenolic compounds. The intensity of the resulting color is proportional to the concentration of phenolic compounds in the medium, which enables us to perform a color calibration, where the absorbance is measured at a wavelength of 755nm using a spectrophotometer. spectrophotometer, and thus polyphenols can be determined based on the titer of gallic acid.
Determine the wavelength of maximum absorption:
A scan was conducted within the range of 700-800 nm for a solution of gallic acid after applying the color reaction to it. For this purpose, the third color of the series with a concentration of 60 mg/100 ml was taken and the curve was drawn indicating the changes in the optical absorbance of this solution at different wavelengths within the aforementioned range. The maximum absorption wavelength has been deduced, table5.
The result of determining total phenols in jujube fruit pulp powder extract and jujube fruit seed powder:
Table 5: Determination of total phenolic content (TPC) in fruit pulp extract and seed powder using Folin-cicoalten reagent
Sample number |
absorbency |
concentration mg/100ml |
Fruit Pulp Powder J-1 |
0.764 |
80.43 |
Seed Powder J-2 |
0.542 |
53.36 |
The comprehensive analysis of phenolic compounds from both jujube fruit pulp and seed powder reveals a rich reservoir of bioactive molecules with potential therapeutic applications. Utilizing various extraction methods followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques, we have successfully identified and quantified several phenolic compounds present in these extracts. The HPLC analysis of phenols from jujube fruit pulp yielded significant concentrations of catechin, epicatechin, kaempferol, and quercetin-3-glucoside, each known for their antibacterial, antitumor, and antifungal activities. Similarly, the GC-MS analysis of the hexane extract from jujube seeds revealed the presence of various phenolic compounds such as quercetin, rutin, procyanidin, and linoleic acid methyl ester, further augmenting the therapeutic potential of jujube. Moreover, the LC-MS analysis of the methanol extract from jujube fruit pulp confirmed the presence of quercetin and β-Linalool, compounds known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. These findings underscore the pharmacological significance of jujube as a natural source of bioactive compounds, positioning it as a promising candidate for the development of novel therapeutic agents.
Therefore, based on these analytical results, it is recommended to further explore the pharmaceutical potential of jujube extracts, particularly in the context of developing alternative medicines with reduced adverse effects compared to synthetic drugs. Further research into the isolation, purification, and pharmacological evaluation of these bioactive compounds is warranted to unlock the full therapeutic potential of jujube in combating various diseases.
The comprehensive analysis of phenolic compounds extracted from both jujube fruit pulp and seed powder underscores the rich reservoir of bioactive molecules present in this plant. Through meticulous extraction techniques and advanced analytical methods such as HPLC, GC-MS, and LC-MS, several key phenolic compounds have been identified and quantified, each exhibiting potent pharmacological activities. The HPLC analysis of jujube fruit pulp revealed significant concentrations of catechin, epicatechin, kaempferol, and quercetin-3-glucoside, known for their diverse therapeutic properties including antibacterial, antitumor, and antifungal effects.
Similarly, GC-MS analysis of jujube seed extracts unveiled the presence of compounds such as quercetin, rutin, procyanidin, and linoleic acid methyl ester, further accentuating the medicinal potential of jujube.
Moreover, LC-MS analysis of methanol extracts from jujube fruit pulp confirmed the presence of quercetin and β-Linalool, compounds renowned for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. These findings collectively underscore the pharmacological significance of jujube as a natural source of bioactive compounds, positioning it as a promising candidate for the development of novel therapeutic agents.
Therefore, based on the compelling analytical results, it is imperative to delve deeper into exploring the pharmaceutical potential of jujube extracts, particularly in the realm of developing alternative medicines with potentially fewer adverse effects compared to synthetic drugs. Further research aimed at isolating, purifying, and pharmacologically evaluating these bioactive compounds is warranted to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of jujube in combating a spectrum of diseases.